Cross River Gov. Otu bans “Okada” (commercial motorcycles) in Calabar metropolis

In a bid to restore sanity and security to Calabar, the Cross River capital, Gov. Bassey Otu has slammed a total ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles (Okada) in the metropolis with immediate effect.

The governor warned that flouting the directive will result in impounding the offender’s motorcycle and prosecution in the court of law, his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, said in a statement e-mailed to Persecondnews on Wednesday.

“As the State Government plans towards ensuring a safe and secured Cross River. The Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, after due consultation with key Security Chiefs in the state, has directed as follows.

“A total ban on the activities of all commercial motorcyclists within the Calabar metropolis.

“Those willing to use their motorcycles to earn a decent living are restricted only to remote areas away from the city centre.

“Anyone caught going against this directive will have the motorcycle impounded, and the offender prosecuted,” the governor said.

On the vandalism of public infrastructure by some unscrupulous elements, the statement also said: “In the same vein, those involved in the criminal vandalization of public amenities like street lights, lamp posts, traffic lights etc are advised to desist forthwith, as culprits will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”